Press Release

NEW YORK, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED) issued the following statement in response to statements by Northeast Utilities:

"Con Edison is, and at all times has been, in compliance with the Merger Agreement with Northeast Utilities which remains in effect.

"Con Edison noted that certain aspects of Northeast Utilities' operations raise issues regarding Northeast Utilities' ability to satisfy its obligations under the Merger Agreement. These violations include, among other things, supply obligations at Select that pose "a significant risk"(1) and prospects in Northeast Utilities' unregulated businesses."

1. Northeast Utilities System February 20, 2001 Prospectus Filed Pursuant

to Rule 424, at p. 5. SOURCE Consolidated Edison

CONTACT: Michael Clendenin of Consolidated Edison, 212-460-4111/